Green Globe Certification on inspiring CSR initiatives

These days, travellers are well aware of the impact that tourism can have, and whilst economic gain from tourism is often fundamental to a country, it should never be at the expense of its culture or the environment. The International Ecotourism Society defines ‘Ecotourism’ as responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve the wellbeing of local people. More and more hospitality providers integrate social and ecological responsibility into their core business to ensure a sustainable operation.

Green Globe members are committed to ethical and environmentally-friendly practices, minimizing the impact of their business activities on the environment. Many hotels and resorts offer area experiences that encourage guests to become involved in good social and ecological practices whilst on holiday. These unique destination experiences are created to give back to the environment and local community.

One of Green Globe’s top performing members, the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa in Chiang Rai, Thailand, shines with a wealth of significant environmental, social, and cultural preservation initiatives. This luxury resort is also home to Asia’s premier elephant camp, and a permanent elephant research program.

The renowned onsite elephant camp is a true highlight at the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, and offers unforgettable adventures and unique experiences with a cast of gentle giants. Established in 2003 as a traditional mahout village, the maintenance of the elephant camp provides a unique opportunity for the resort and Anantara as a whole, to base targeted CSR initiatives around elephant and wildlife preservation activities.
 

"We work alongside the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to perform street rescues, provide employment, and a comfortable lifestyle for our elephants and their entire mahout families," said John Edward Roberts, Director of Elephants & Conservation Activities. "We support more than 25 elephants and 60 people, and are proudly fully funded by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, our parent company, and guest donations."

In collaboration with Think Elephant International and the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation a unique Discovery Experience has been created, and guests can study elephant behavior and problem solving with the camp’s onsite scientific experts.   This unique destination package involves real scientific studies in a richly educational and hands-on program, where guests interact with Thailand’s gentle giants in their natural environment.  Guests can explore the enchanting world of elephants, and choose from a range of intriguing activities, such as assisting a skilled mahout, elephant trekking, elephant yoga, an elephant picnic, or even learning to drive their very own elephant.
 

All Anantara properties across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, the Maldives, and the Middle East immerse in local initiatives that give back to the community and environment, enhancing the social and environmental surroundings of each Anantara destination. Whether it’s rescuing street elephants in Thailand, marine turtle protection in Phuket, coral rejuvenation in the Maldives or supporting local farmers in Indonesia, Anantara is dedicated to carrying out a corporate social responsibility program at a grassroots level in each of its exotic locations around the world.